REAL MADRID are preparing to ask Manchester United to send Angel Di Maria back to the Bernabeu in exchange for Gareth Bale.

Bale's place in Carlo Ancelotti's plans has been called into question due to the Welsh winger's lack of tactical discipline.

Isco impressed Ancelotti with his ability to follow his coaches instructions and the way his tracking back helped execute Real's defensive scheme.

And reports in Spain suggest that the Italian was again frustrated by Bale's performance against Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

It is claimed that Ancelotti wanted Bale to play wide in midfield in a 4-4-2 formation after coming on for James Rodriguez but the 25-year-old's attacking impulses saw him more often playing next to Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in what amounted to a 4-3-3.

Carlo Ancelotti is frustrated with Gareth Bale

And Ancelotti's frustrations with Bale have him longing to get former star Di Maria back in the fold.

Real sold the ex-Benfica star to United for £60m this summer after refusing to meet the player's demands for a new contract, but Ancelotti remains a fan of the Argentine and the role he played in helping the Madrid club to their tenth Champions League title last season.

Indeed, there is even some suggestion that if United are serious about bringing Bale back to the Premier League in the summer Real will not stand in their way.

However, instead of taking the £90m the Red Devils are reportedly willing to offer Real are expected to ask for a player-plus-cash deal involving Di Maria.